It All Starts Small
Have you ever wondered how a finished watercolor painting begins?
Before the paper, the paint, or even the first brushstroke, many of my artworks begin as tiny thumbnail sketches. These mini scribbles are the earliest stage of the creative process, capturing an idea quickly before it fades.
Some thumbnails evolve beautifully into full watercolor paintings. Others? They get left behind—and that’s okay. Each one is part of the creative journey, from idea to finished artwork... and sometimes even a product like my 2026 Woodland Animal Wall Calendar.
What Are Thumbnail Sketches?
Thumbnail sketches are small, simple drawings used to map out composition and visual flow. They’re not about perfection—they’re about capturing an idea quickly.
For my woodland animal scenes, thumbnails were essential. They help me arrange the characters, balance the space, and explore multiple layout ideas before committing to one.
When I Skip Sketching Altogether
Not every piece starts with a sketch. When I’m painting florals or abstracts, I often skip this step completely. With those subjects, I prefer a more intuitive, flow-based approach. But when it comes to detailed compositions like these woodland animal scenes, a thumbnail really helps with composition and planning.
Watching a Scribble Become a Calendar Page
One of my favorite parts of the process is looking back and seeing how a quick doodle in my sketchbook turned into a full watercolor painting, and eventually into a product that brings people joy all year long.
For my 2026 Wall Calendar, I used several thumbnail sketches to design the scenes. Here’s a peek at how some of those ideas started small—and grew into full-page illustrations that now hang in kitchens, offices, and studios around the country.
From Idea to Product: My 2026 Wall Calendar
Next year’s calendar features 12 months of woodland animals, painted in my signature watercolor style. You’ll meet a bear, a chipmunk, a tiger, a beaver, and more—each scene thoughtfully composed, starting with a humble thumbnail.
These scenes aren't just cute—they’re meant to bring calm, warmth, and a little smile to your day.
🎁 Last year’s calendar sold out by early January—grab yours now before they scamper away here.
Consider Trying Thumbnail Sketches
Even if you’re just starting out in watercolor, thumbnail sketching is a great thing to try out. It:
-
Helps overcome blank page fear
-
Lets you try multiple compositions quickly
-
Saves time by catching issues early
-
Keeps your sketchbook loose, playful, and low-pressure
You don’t need fancy tools - just a pencil, a sketchbook, and a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
From thumbnail to finished product, every piece I make is part of a larger story. My hope is that these little scenes bring a bit of wonder into your everyday—whether they’re hanging in your home or inspiring you to start painting your own.